Student Posts

Introduction

Good afternoon, everyone! My name is Jorge Sanchez. I was raised in Miami, FL and have been living in Orlando, FL, where I went to the University of Central Florida for what my parents thought was way too long to complete a dual degree program for Public Administration and Nonprofit Management!

That was a few years back, though, and I decided to jump back into school here at Florida State University to practice the arts of librarianship! That’s right, I am a Librarian in training too, yes just like Rachel Weisz, in my second semester of my Masters of Science in Information!  I’m also on a couple of volunteer boards, where I work with museums and marginalized groups to bring about a little culture and belonging into the scene, it’s good fun.

In the meantime, I’m picking up and sharpening skills working at a library in Orlando, with a pretty sweet Makerspace. Typically I’m teaching classes, or doing some 3D modeling, or showing people how to use a laser cutter without setting anything else on fire. Up there is me with one of my creations. Down here is a 3D printable unknown box we found on the internet that we use to stuff some tools into, and that’s just one of the few capabilities of the Makerspace!

I’m looking forward to this class due to its focus on design in digital media. As someone who is constantly working with digitized everything, learning the aspect of production for what I see in my everyday life is an exciting prospect.

My name is Jennifer Gayle, and I currently live in Naples, Florida. I work as an elementary school teacher in Collier County Public Schools, where I have taught second through fifth grade, spending most of my career in third grade. Teaching has been a meaningful and rewarding experience, and it has played a major role in shaping my professional goals.

I am in my second semester of Florida State University’s Master of Science in Information program, following the school libraries specialization. While I enjoy classroom teaching, I feel ready to explore new opportunities that allow me to support students and teachers in a broader way. My goal is to transition into a media specialist role, where I can combine my instructional experience with information and media literacy.

Outside of work and school, I stay busy with family life. I am a mom of six and a grandmother of two, and much of our time is spent supporting my youngest daughters in competitive dance. I also enjoy visiting Walt Disney World and taking advantage of the beautiful beaches here in Naples.

One of the things that interests me most about this class is the focus on digital media and design. I enjoy experimenting with digital tools, even when it takes a bit of trial and error.  I am at a fairly basic level. Through this course, I hope to develop a stronger understanding of how to create high-quality, effective digital content that I can use both professionally and personally.

I am looking forward to learning alongside my classmates and expanding my skill set as I continue working toward my future role in school libraries.

“Does anybody have a map?
Anybody maybe happen to know how the hell to do this?
I don’t know if you can tell
But this is me just pretending to know

So where’s the map?
I need a clue
‘Cause the scary truth is
I’m flying blind
And I’m making this up as I go“

– Anybody Have a Map from Dear Evan Hansen

Hello, everyone! My name is Nyabi ( “Ny” like “Sky”) and I live in Miami, FL. This is my second to last semester in the MSI program; I am also pursuing the School Librarian Leadership certificate! I am really looking forward to this class and am excited to get to know you all! 

The Journey So Far: 

I began working in libraries while studying as an undergraduate student at Hampshire College. For the past 4 years, I have worked at the University of Miami’s Richter Library where I manage the Peer Research Consultant program, and staff our Research Help Desk. In this role, I get the opportunity to manage a wonderful group of student workers and aid the liaison librarians with research consultations, library instruction sessions, along with other fun programs held in our library Learning Commons, such as our upcoming Crafternoon event! hope to continue working with college-level students, potentially as a subject liaison or student success librarian, however I am open to other opportunities in various school settings. 

Hobbies and Special Interests: 

Here is a picture of my two cats. Esme enjoys her personal space… and Eli also enjoys Esme’s personal space.

Why LIS 5313?  

I already enjoy many aspects of design. At work I have helped with several artistic projects such as creating event posters, designing research guides, and using Adobe Premiere to edit an informational video titled “Using AI for Research.” I hope to learn many more tips to improve my creative instinct, and help me make better design choices. I am particularly excited to learn more about typography. Personally, I can spend hours just selecting fonts, so I am curious to learn more about the theories designers use to help with these choices. 

Hello everyone! My name is Christina Mumpower and I am currently in my second semester as a Masters in Information student at Florida State University. I received my bachelors in Education Sciences at the University of Florida in May 2025. I was born and raised in California, but after a few moves thanks to my Navy husband, we have settled just south of Jacksonville, Florida. I also have a 17-year-old junior in high school whom I adore.

I currently work at an elementary school in the Clay County School District as a media tech (library assistant). I love my job and have my Media certificate, but school media specialist jobs are becoming harder to find in this district. I obtained my 6-12 English certificate as well and hope to be in a teaching position next school year.

I am an older student, having paused my schooling for various reasons. As I started working in schools, I fell in love with my media tech job and decided that I wanted to be a librarian, whether it be in a high school, college, or a public library. This led me to go back to school so I could reach that goal. Better late than never!

This class piqued my interest as I have started dabbling in media presentations for lessons I create and know that adding visual interest and interactivity to lessons can lead to more engaged students. 

When I am not working or studying, I try to travel as much as possible, attend trivia nights with my friends every week, and go to as many ECHL hockey games as possible (go Icemen!). I also am an avid reader, which probably comes as no surprise. I look forward to learning with you all!

Introduction

Hello all! My name is Melody Murray, and I live in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville is where I am from originally, and although I daydream about moving elsewhere, that does not seem likely to happen any time soon! There are some wonderful gems here in Jacksonville, however. Such as the Cummer Art Museum, as well as the MOSH (Museum of Science and History). I also enjoy our proximity to St. Augustine!

List of some of my special interests:

• My cats (Steve, Cookie, and Mia)
• “The X-Files”
• Reading (naturally)
• Exploring/Dilly Dallying
• Learning French (as you can see by my title!)

Professional Background

I currently work with the Jacksonville Public Library as a “Customer Experience Associate” in the Youth Department at one of the many branches within the system (21 to be exact). This is my last semester in the MSI program at FSU, and I look forward to graduating in May and becoming a Children’s Librarian with JPL.

Course Expectations

I could tell from our first class meeting that I am going to be developing a lot of new skills throughout this course! I have minimal to no experience with digital media production, and I look forward to expanding my skill set.